New Mercedes S-Class Redefines Luxury

After endless teasing, MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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finally unveiled the latest generation S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-ClassGermany, 1972 > present6 series
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at a Hamburg airport hanger today in the shadow of the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner. The S-Class is known for its ability to push the boundaries of luxury in cars, and the latest generation does that as much as ever. When it goes on sale, it will be the first modern passenger car to have no light bulbs; all of the lighting is provided by LEDs for the interior and exterior.

“No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class," said Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche.

From the outside, the S-Class is very subtle. It is an obvious upgrade over the previous generation, but it bares a striking resemblance to the upgraded E-ClassMercedes-Benz E-Class Gen.5Germany, 2009 > present345 versions
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. The S-Class has never been about revolutionary looks. It appeals to incredibly wealthy people who do not want to show of their wealth.

The exterior has been reshaped to have a coefficient of drag of 0.24, which is the second best in the Mercedes lineup behind the CLA-ClassMercedes-Benz CLA-Class Gen.1Germany, 2013 > present63 versions
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with a 0.22 drag coefficient. The S300 BlueTEC Hybrid improves that even further to 0.23.

The changes include a larger, more upright radiator and longer hood. From the side, there are dual convex and concave style lines that run to the rear of the car.

The car includes 500 LEDs that illuminate the road and interior. The headlights each include 56 LEDs, and there are 35 in each taillight, plus four more for the rear fog light.

The standard wheelbase length is 3035mm (119.5in), and the long wheelbase version is 3165mm (124.6in). This is identical to the previous generation. However, overall length is up 37mm (1.5in) for the short wheelbase and long wheelbase version compared to the previous generation short and long wheelbase models.

The S-Class will be offered with four engines at launch – the  S400 Hybrid, the S500Mercedes-Benz S 500 SWBGermany, 2014 > present, the S350 BlueTEC and the S300 BlueTEC Hybrid. Next year, Mercedes will add the S500 plug-In Hybrid with consumption below 100g/km of CO2. Only the non-hybrid S500 will be available in the US at launch.

The S400 Hybrid has 302hp and 272lb-ft of torque; it uses 6.3l/100km and emits 147g/km of CO2.
The S500 has 449hp and 516lb-ft of torque; it uses 8.6l/100km and emits 199g/km of CO2.
The S350 BlueTEC has 255hp and 457lb-ft of torque; it uses 5.5l/100km and emits 146g/km of CO2.
The S300 BlueTEC Hybrid has 201hp and 369lb-ft of torque; it uses 4.4l/100km and emits 115g/km of CO2.

The suspension in the S500 offers world’s first. It uses road surface scan via the stereo camera to detect the road ahead. It can send data to the suspension to either firm or soften the suspension and provide a better ride.

The standard suspension includes a full air suspension with adaptive dampers.

The interior of the S-Class was built with a focus on the long-wheelbase model. It believes that the car will be especially popular in continental Asia where it will mostly be sold as a chauffeur-driven vehicle. All versions include 300 LEDs and two LED screens.

The two screens are both 12.3in diagonally. The left screen replaces a traditional instrument cluster and displays all of the car’s data. The right display controls infotainment and climate functions. The infotainment display eschews touch interfaces in favor of a solid aluminum rotary dial.

There will be five different rear seat options for the S-Class that tops at the Executive seat that reclines up to 43.5 degrees.

Climate options include four-zone automatic controls and an active perfuming system that pumps scent into the interior. Other seat options include a heated massaging function with 14 separate air cushions and six massaging options for either the front or rear seat. The seats also house fans that pull air into the seats to cool seats faster.

The S-Class’ stereo lives up to such a special car. There are speakers mounted in the firewall that vibrate the cross member and side member to provide low frequency sound.

Buyers can select from a variety of wood trims and surface finishes.

One of the major innovations for the S-Class is for the car to practically drive itself. It uses the front-mounted stereo camera and other sensors to scan the road all the way around the car. The system can take over during stop and go driving thanks to all of the sensors.

Mercedes has not announced prices for the S300 BlueTEC Hybrid or S500 Plug-In Hybrid.